Frequently Asked Questions

On this page are brief answers to some of the questions we are commonly asked. Please Contact Us if you have questions that are not covered here, or would simply like to find out more about DAA and how we can help.

Do I have to be clean (drug/alcohol free) to attend a meeting?

No.

Are non-addicts allowed to attend meetings?

Some meetings are open to non-addicts. See Meetings page for more details.

I'm not sure if I am an addict. Am I allowed to attend a 'closed' meeting?

If you think you have a problem with drugs, you are most welcome to attend closed meetings, where you can meet recovered drug addicts, who will be happy to discuss your problem and share their own experience.

Are there membership fees?

No. DAA membership is open to anyone who has a desire to stop using narcotics, or any other mind-altering substance. Contributions from members towards the running of DAA are strictly voluntary.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is a recovered addict who will guide you through the 12 Steps. A sponsor will guide you, as they themselves were guided. They will show you how to apply the 12 Steps in your daily life and to your problems; so that you too can develop a manner of living that enables you to live life on life’s terms, without the use of drugs. They have worked and continue to work the 12 Steps. They too have a sponsor. We have found the guidance of a good sponsor to be absolutely indispensable.

What is the difference between and a meeting and a group?

A meeting is an event, hosted by a group. A group consists of two or more addicts who meet regularly with the primary purpose of staying clean. DAA groups hold meetings at the same time and place every week (or more frequently). At these meetings we enjoy fellowship, we identify with people who really understand us, we learn about the true nature of our problem, and we learn how to live without using drugs. Most importantly, our meetings are opportunties for newcomers to find help with their problem. A meeting is the perfect forum for a group to carry its message that there is a way out from drug addiction.

What is a 'home group'?

Our 'home group' is the DAA group we choose to join. It is a very important part of our recovery, especially early on. Joining a group is more than attending its meetings regularly; it is becoming a part of something, it is belonging. Over time, we get to know our fellow home group members, and they get to know us. We learn from their experience. Friendship and trust forms. We 'put back' into our home group, by taking on service commitments (eg. making the tea).

What is meant by 'sharing'?

'Sharing' is what happens at meetings. It is relating our experience, for the benefit of others. Telling our story can help a fellow addict 'identify'; to feel that he/she has found someone who really understands their problem and has found a solution.

Does alcohol count as a drug?

Yes. Alcohol is a drug in liquid form. To recover in DAA, we must abstain from all mind-altering substances, including alcohol and other legal drugs. Therefore, when we talk about being 'clean' (ie. drug-free), we also mean 'sober'.

Is DAA a religious organization?

No. You will notice that 'God' is mentioned several times in the Steps. This convention is merely a convenient, 'shorthand' way of referring to the idea of a power greater than ourselves. Each individual is free to choose whatever concept of this power makes sense to them.

I am an atheist. Does that prevent me joining DAA?

Absolutely not. Many of us held the same conviction. We could not see how a 'spiritual' programme could be of help to someone like us. We wish to emphasise that agnostics and atheists need not be discouraged. The important thing is that we are convinced that recovery from drug addiction is beyond our own individual power. Having admitted personal defeat, only a small amount of open-mindedness is sufficient to then access the 'greater power' that we, as recovered addicts, rely upon to keep us from using drugs. Our own experience is proof of this.

What is the difference between DAA and other fellowships?

Our 10th tradition prevents us from discussing outside issues, which includes other fellowships.